Ben Affleck to Exit Batman Function and DC Altogether?

1 year ago

Followers of the DC Prolonged Universe have been dealt a reasonably large blow yesterday when it was formally introduced that Ben Affleck would not be directing the upcoming standalone Batman film. He, a minimum of as of proper now, is planning on co-writing, producing and starring within the film, however which may not be set in stone. In seems, there may be a minimum of an opportunity he could stroll away from the function of Batman altogether.

Following the information that Ben Affleck left the director’s chair, Forbes‘ Mark Hughes wrote a really in-depth piece about his departure. Whereas he made it clear that it appears unlikely, he did observe that there’s a risk Ben Affleck might bail on The Batman as an actor as nicely. Here’s what he needed to say about it.

“Sadly, among the many issues I heard about his departure as director, I heard just a few specifics that, if true, lead me to fret there may be a minimum of an opportunity Affleck might additionally stroll away from starring within the image. I do not really feel these issues are as more likely to bear fruit, and I nonetheless anticipate Affleck will end the screenplay as deliberate after which begin prepping for the function by moving into ‘Batman form’ to make sure he is bodily and mentally ready for the function. That stated, I do imagine there’s an opportunity now that Affleck might depart the undertaking as an actor, winding up merely serving as cowriter and producer.”

Mark Hughes notes that even when Ben Affleck does see The Batman by way of to the tip, which is probably going, the chances, based mostly on what he has heard, have elevated that the actor/director might depart the DCEU behind after that film. Warner Bros. in all probability signed Affleck to a prolonged, multi-picture deal, however the particulars of his contract haven’t been made public. It’s potential that, even when he wished to bail on The Batman, his contract could make that difficult. Once more, that is pure hypothesis, however there may be probably trigger for concern at this level. Particularly as a result of there have been experiences that the script for the film is one thing that each Warner Bros. and Ben Affleck are sad with.

On the flipside of issues, Warner Bros. and Ben Affleck have been very clear within the announcement that they made this choice mutually and that it was for the higher of the film. It has additionally been reported that the flop of Reside By Evening, which has bombed on the field workplace and was not nicely acquired by critics, has pressured Ben Affleck to “rethink his strategy to his initiatives.” Writing, directing, producing and starring in a film, particularly one on the size of The Batman, is so much to ask of anyone particular person, so in numerous methods, the transfer is smart. Alternatively, Ben Affleck could be very conversant in writing, directing and performing in his personal initiatives. So, that does increase some questions on why he feels he cannot achieve this this time round.

Proper now, there is not essentially purpose to hit the panic button, however issues have been somewhat shaky with the DCEU to this point and Ben Affleck taking a step again does increase some purple flags. In any case, a minimum of for now, The Batman continues to be taking place and he’ll nonetheless be enjoying the Darkish Knight. We are going to subsequent see him because the caped crusader within the first Justice League film, which is due out on November 17. We’ll need to see how this all shakes out over the following few months, however Warner Bros. is at present searching for a director for the standalone Batman film and Daybreak of the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves is the reported frontrunner. We are going to remember to maintain you updated as extra particulars on the undertaking turn out to be out there.